John Bolton Pleads Guilty to Tampering with Classified Information

Former National Security Adviser John Bolton has reportedly pleaded guilty to tampering with classified information, according to multiple sources. This development was confirmed on Thursday.

Back in August, authorities conducted searches of Bolton’s home and office, and he faced formal charges by October. The indictment accuses him of both transmitting and maintaining classified materials unlawfully.

Bolton is expected to strike a plea deal with federal authorities, admitting guilt to a single charge of tampering. Under this agreement, he would pay a fine of $2.25 million and potentially avoid prison time. Although he faces a maximum sentence of five years, the final decision will be made by a judge. A public hearing is set for June 26.

The indictment alleges that from April 9, 2018, to at least August 22, 2025, Bolton misused his position by sharing over 1,000 pages of sensitive information with two unauthorized individuals, some of which was classified as Top Secret/SCI. Additionally, he is accused of improperly storing classified documents at his Maryland residence.

The documents in question reportedly contained information regarding planned attacks by hostile entities, missile launches by foreign adversaries, and other top-secret material. The FBI revealed that Bolton was suspected of utilizing a personal online account to transmit confidential information and violating federal law by storing these documents at home.

According to the FBI, the case was built by diligent professionals committed to establishing the facts without bias. They emphasized that any misuse of the justice system would not be tolerated.

Bolton served as National Security Adviser during President Trump’s first term, from 2018 to 2019.

A source familiar with the initial investigation mentioned that CIA Director John Ratcliffe had provided limited access to relevant U.S. information, validating the rationale behind the raid on Bolton’s residence.